Daily Five: New Chair, $200k Decrease

1. Today should be mostly cloudy, with a high near 56, according to the National Weather Service. Tonight should be clear, with a low around 33, according to the service.

2. Tuesday night, Waterford’s Democrat Town Committee caucused, endorsing mostly incumbents for state and federal positions and electing a new chair.

The group elected J.W. “Bill” Sheehan, a long-time member of the Board of Finance, as the new chair of the committee, replacing Sue Driscoll. Sheri Cote, a member of the Board of Education, was voted vice chair.

The group endorsed Andrea Stillman for state senator, Betsy Ritter for state representative and Joe Courtney for the United States House of Representatives, all of which are incumbents. The group also endorsed Chris Murphy for United States Senator. Independent Joe Lieberman currently holds the post, but has said already he will not seek another term.

3. The Town of Waterford’s retirement budget is set to decrease by $200,000 for the upcoming fiscal year, from $3.9 million to $3.7 million, according to Finance Director Rudie Beers. The decrease is a nice change, after last year when the retirement budget increased by $1.1 million, a 40 percent increase, Beers said.

Tonight, the Board of Selectmen meet at 5 to finalize their budget and ultimately the town’s overall budget, as employee health insurance numbers are in. Patch should have the total budget increase for next year, and the likely tax increase for next year in a story Friday morning. The budgets still need to be approved by the Board of Finance and Representative Town Meeting before becoming official.

4. A press release from the First Selectman Dan Steward:

"The Town of Waterford is applying for a $300,000 grant from the State of Connecticut to provide funds for the low and moderate income housing rehabilitation program.  The program would provide interest free loans to low and moderate income property owners to make renovations to their homes.  Eligible home improvements include septic, roof replacement, energy efficient upgrades, window replacement, remediation of lead hazards and general home improvements.  This program is especially helpful to families who would otherwise have difficulty affording needed home repairs.

At this time, the Town of Waterford is establishing a waiting list of interested parties to submit with the grant application.  If you are interested in participating in the program please call Sally Ritchie at (860) 444-5839."

5. On this date in 2004, the Republic of Ireland becomes the first country to ban smoking in all bars, restaurants and work places. And today would have been Cy Young’s 145th birthday, had he not died in 1955.

Quote of the Day

“Don’t think, just do.”

-Horace

Trivia of the Day

On this date in 1961, the 23rd Amendment to the United States Constitution was ratified. What does that amendement do?

Yesterday’s Answer: Stefani Joanne Angelina Germanotta’s stage name is Lady Gaga.